Energy and enthusiasm pleases coach

Coach Andrew Stanley has praised the 'energy and enthusiasm' in the Worcester Warriors squad as the final game of the season against Gloucester Rugby looms large on the horizon this Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Academy Manager Stanley has been put in charge of first team affairs for the game following the departure of Mike Ruddock.

And Stanley - who will be facing a former club where he made over 200 playing appearances - has been pleased by the response of the squad in difficult circumstances.

"We must give a good account of ourselves and show the rest of the country what character we have got," he said.

"The players have been fantastic in the way they have approached training, they have really given it a lot of effort and there has been a lot of energy and enthusiasm about the club.

"They have responded well given the circumstances. The players are professional enough to know they must perform.

"We want to end on a high," he added. "We need to reward our very faithful fans for the support they have given us this year in difficult circumstances.

"In the five or six years I have been involved with the club it is surprising how quickly the derby day between Gloucester and Worcester has taken off. It just adds to the day, we want to do well against our nearest rivals."

Stanley has also revealed that back row duo Pat Sanderson and Tom Wood are both pushing for recalls as they look to climb off the treatment table.

He said: "We have a few injury issues with one or two players, but we will give them every chance to put themselves in a position where they will play. We have delayed naming a team to the players.

"Tom Wood is back in contention which gives us an option in the back row and Pat Sanderson is doing well, he may well be a candidate for inclusion.

"We have got to show what we are made of and the players who are leaving us will want to go out on a high, not only for themselves but to leave a mark of what they have achieved at the club these last few years," he added.

"Gloucester are a good side and on their day they are capable of being a very potent attacking force, that is the challenge. We have prepared in a way that we think will give a good account of ourselves."

Tickets for the Guinness Premiership league clash between Warriors and Gloucester remain on sale! Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or click the Tickets link atwww.warriors.co.uk